Dear friends in Christ,

We continue to watch and pray as ash falls all around us, and more than 13-hundred firefighters are working to contain the Carr Fire, which is burning to the west of Redding this afternoon. We will not stop praying together, in spirit and in person, until the crisis passes, with lamentations and thanksgivings.

Many All Saints' parishioners have safely evacuated their homes. Not knowing whether their own homes still stand, Rector's Warden Margie Harrison-Smith, and Pastoral Care Team Leader, Betty Harrison-Smith phoned every All Saints' parishioner known to live in evacuation areas. (If you are in an evacuation area and you haven't heard from one us, please contact me at the mobile number below.) While it seems that all parishioners are safely out of harm's way, homes, and lives are still in danger.

Western Service Workers Association has found shelter for dozens of our neighbors who need help. They welcome donations of non-perishable foodstuffs at WSWA headquarters, 2350 Beverley Drive (off Cypress, behind Big O Tires), 9am to 9pm.

Well over a dozen evacuees (including some dogs and a kitten) gathered with supporters here at All Saints' for Morning Prayer, breakfast, and fellowship. By the time we'd finished the dishes, every evacuee had found shelter, and only three of us remained for noon-day prayer.

All are welcome to join in Evening Prayer, at 6pm tonight, Compline at 9pm, and Friday Morning Prayer at 8:45am. Whether you're anxious, grieving, thankful or rejoicing, you're prayers are important. We will continue to pray these daily offices together at All Saints, for as long as two or more gather here in Christ's name.

Whether you join us in person or in spirit, please pray with us. -Carren

Psalm 46

God is our refuge and strength, *

    a very present help in trouble.

Therefore we will not fear, though the earth be moved, *

    and though the mountains be toppled into the depths of the sea;

Though its waters rage and foam, *

    and though the mountains tremble at its tumult.

The L ORD of hosts is with us; *

    the God of Jacob is our stronghold.

There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, *

    the holy habitation of the Most High.

God is in the midst of her;

she shall not be overthrown; *

    God shall help her at the break of day.

The nations make much ado, and the kingdoms are shaken; *

    God has spoken, and the earth shall melt away.

The L ORD of hosts is with us; *

    the God of Jacob is our stronghold.

Come now and look upon the works of the L ORD , *

    what awesome things he has done on earth.

It is he who makes war to cease in all the world; *

    he breaks the bow, and shatters the spear,

    and burns the shields with fire.

"Be still, then, and know that I am God; *

    I will be exalted among the nations;

    I will be exalted in the earth."

The L ORD of hosts is with us; *

    the God of Jacob is our stronghold.